According to a news release from StraighterLine, "This new partnership between Paul Smith's College and StraighterLine will allow even more students the opportunity to begin their college education online, at their convenience, at a substantially lower cost than most traditional degree programs. Students can take freshman and introductory-level classes through StraighterLine and save thousands of dollars on the cost of their college degree."

Paul Smith's College, located in the Adirondack Park, offers two- and four-year degrees in the sciences, hospitality, culinary arts, natural resources, forestry, and entrepreneurship. Approximately 1,000 students take courses in seven on-campus buildings. According to the college Web site, tuition costs $21,930 per academic year, not including room and board, books and supplies, and other fees.

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at timothyjsohn@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @editortim.